Neil Smith, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Journalist Profile

Articles

Rural campaigners warn new laws could lead to more wildfires like Arran's

6 days ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

2 1/1 THE Scottish Government have been warned the country could face more wildfires unless they change their approach to the controlled burning of heather and grasslands. Just days after a wildfire on Arran was finally extinguished, organisations claimed politicians needed to introduce a better approach to muirburn licensing. Muirburning is the controlled burning of moorland vegetation and is often carried out by land managers.
Kilwinning service for kids with complex needs gets glowing inspection report

6 days ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

The Muirfield Place facility in Kilwinning (Image: Street View) A KILWINNING service for children and young adults with complex additional support needs has won praise after a visit from inspectors. Muirfield Outreach Support Service was ranked "very good" for both supporting wellbeing and its staff team following a visit from the Care Inspectorate.
Ardrossan Harbour campaigners urge ScotGov to stop delaying and start delivering

6 days ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Ardrossan Harbour (Image: Peter Ribbeck) CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Ardrossan Harbour say they're "deeply disappointed" with the lack of information and action over the Scottish Government's bid to buy the troubled port. They warned the absence of ferries from Ardrossan was causing "a real and damaging impact" on both Arran and the mainland town. And they called on the government to "stop delaying and start delivering".
Arran on the world map after being awarded official Global Geopark status

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Arran is now an official UNESCO Global Geopark (Image: VisitArran) ARRAN has been awarded official Global Geopark status by UNESCO. It means worldwide recognition of the geology on the island, which has been providing a habitat for humans and nature for thousands of years. Arran's microclimate also plays a major factor in the island's local produce, from whisky to toiletries.
Take on the jousting knights at Ardrossan Castle's big Easter event

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Easter fun planned at Ardrossan Castle (Image: Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society) FAMILIES are being invited to celebrate Easter Sunday at Ardrossan Castle this weekend. The Castle Heritage Society has organised plenty of fun for adults and wee ones, including a jousting knights event. You will also get the chance to roll your decorated eggs down the castle hill this Sunday, April 21.
Harbour takeover talks 'ongoing' as task force meets for first time in a year

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, inset, and Ardrossan Harbour (Image: Newsquest) THE Ardrossan Harbour Task Force met for the first time in almost a year today - and was told that a buyout of the port by the Scottish Government is very much still on the cards. It was officially confirmed that negotiations between the Scottish Government and harbour owners Peel Ports over a takeover of the harbour are continuing.
Police plea to help find missing teenager last seen in Kilwinning

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Callum Moore has been reported missing (Image: Police Scotland) POLICE have appealed for help in finding a missing teenager who was last seen in Kilwinning. Callum Moore, from Paisley, was last seen at around 8am on Wednesday, April 16 in the North Ayrshire town. The 16-year-old is described as white, five feet three in height, with a slim build, green eyes, and short brown hair.
A look inside the Saltcoats property nominated for Scotland's Home of the Year

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Tracey and Scott outside the property with children Alfie, Blossom and Marley (Image: BBC Scotland) THE Saltcoats family who live in a seaside flat nominated for BBC's Scotland's Home of the Year have lifted the lid on their amazing property. Bridal technician Tracey Moore, 39, and her assessor husband Scott, 38, live in the colourful house with children Alfie, 13, Blossom, nine and Marley, seven - as well as two "crazy" rabbits, Coco and Rocco.
MSP 'thrilled' with trans rights decision as opponents brand ruling 'disappointing'

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

MSP Pam Gosal, centre, with For Women Scotland supporters outside the court (Image: Pam Gosal MSP) WEST Scotland Conservative MSP Pam Gosal has revealed she's "thrilled" with the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex. And she hailed the decision as a victory for women's rights.
Kilwinning battery plant fire should be 'wake-up call' for government, says MSP

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Plumes of smoke from last week's battery plant fire in Kilwinning (Image: Contributed) AN MSP has said the Kilwinning battery storage facility fire that erupted into an inferno last week should be a wake-up call for the Scottish Government. West Scotland Labour politician Katy Clark said ministers need to better regulate and safeguard such sites from future safety issues such as fires.